Cold and dreary weather grips central and eastern Kentucky as snow chances return Friday

Below-normal temperatures linger through Thursday before a fast-moving system brings light snow and gusty winds

Bitter cold tonight with wind chills in the single digits

As we head into tonight, skies will remain mostly cloudy, and temperatures will tumble quickly into the low teens across central and eastern Kentucky. When you factor in a light north breeze, it’s going to feel even colder, with wind chills dipping into the low single digits in many spots.

This kind of cold makes it tough for any snow or ice on roads to melt, so slick conditions may linger into Thursday morning, especially on bridges, side streets, and untreated surfaces.

Another cold and mostly cloudy Thursday

Thursday will bring more of the same winter chill. High pressure will keep things mostly dry, but clouds will hang around, limiting any warming from the sun.

Afternoon temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 20s to low 30s for most of the area, with only a few southern locations possibly sneaking into the mid 30s. Overall, it will feel cold and wintry, not a great day for outdoor plans.

Clipper system brings light snow chances Friday

Our next weather maker arrives on Friday in the form of a fast-moving clipper system sliding through the Ohio Valley.

This system could bring scattered rain and snow showers, especially across eastern portions of the viewing area and parts of the Bluegrass Region. Minor accumulations are likely, generally ranging from a light coating up to around an inch in a few spots.

Winds will also pick up on Friday, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph at times, adding an extra chill to the air.

Gradual warm-up heading into the weekend and next week

Behind Friday’s system, colder air briefly returns for Saturday, keeping temperatures in the 30s across most of the region.

The good news? A slow warming trend begins late in the weekend and into early next week. Highs will gradually climb into the 40s, and by early next week some communities could even reach the upper 40s to near 50 degrees,  a welcome break from the recent deep chill.

Another chance for rain looks possible toward the middle of next week as temperatures continue to moderate.

ABC 36 Storm Team 36-Hour Forecast

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy and very cold. Low temperatures falling into the low teens, with wind chills dropping into the single digits.

Thursday: Cold and mostly cloudy throughout the day. Highs only reaching the upper 20s to low 30s.

Thursday Night: Cloudy and chilly once again. Temperatures dipping back into the teens overnight ahead of Friday’s clipper system.